Best Dispersed Camping near Ruckersville, VA
Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour of Ruckersville, Virginia, primarily in Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest. Shenandoah National Park requires backcountry permits for dispersed camping, with sites located along numerous trails including the Appalachian Trail. These primitive sites lack facilities, with several visitors noting the importance of proper food storage due to active black bears. According to one visitor, "There are so many trails to hike throughout the park and with a backcountry permit, you can find countless campsites."
Free dispersed camping is available at Flagpole Knob, Switzer Lake, and Crisman Hollow Road in George Washington National Forest. These areas allow fires (unlike some Shenandoah backcountry zones) and typically permit pets. The terrain ranges from mountaintop sites to riverside camping along South Fork Shenandoah River, which offers multiple spots directly on the water. A recent review noted, "The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to," though several campers mention that riverside sites can be noisy due to neighboring campers and may flood after heavy rain.












